Bright Bazaar by Will Taylorhttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com
New York City based lifestyle blog about interior design, travel, personal style and men’s fashion, photography and living life through a colorful lensTue, 15 Jan 2019 17:55:26 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFoR97daxS0/UJQMo5ijE2I/AAAAAAAALRo/WKRMGXOxyYg/s181/Bright_Bazaar_Logo_Lo_Res.pngBright.Bazaar logoBrightbazaarhttps://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily RotationThe California Central Coast Wine Region You Need to Know Abouthttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/justin-vineyards-winery.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/justin-vineyards-winery.html#respondTue, 15 Jan 2019 17:55:26 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9842This past fall I was lucky enough to be invited by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery to stay on their estate vineyard in Paso Robles, California. I am going to be straight with you: I had never heard of Paso Robles beforehand but after spending a few days ensconced amongst the vines I fell in love with the new-to-me wine region. To me, travel is the gift that keeps on giving – it gives you the experience in the moment and then the long-lasting inspiration and energy from the great memories made. I often write about how I translate the inspiration from my travels into room designs. However, what I’ve loved since taking this trip is how each time I go to buy JUSTIN wine it takes me back to being at the vineyard, the warmth of the sun on my neck and nothing but rolling hills covered in vines as far as my eye could see. My favorite blend was the ISOSCELES®; it’s a Bordeaux-style red wine, and I love the full-bodied flavor. The wine has lots of different flavors, including red and black cherry, blackcurrant and even a hint of cinnamon, which makes it the perfect cozy wine to […]

]]>This past fall I was lucky enough to be invited by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery to stay on their estate vineyard in Paso Robles, California. I am going to be straight with you: I had never heard of Paso Robles beforehand but after spending a few days ensconced amongst the vines I fell in love with the new-to-me wine region. To me, travel is the gift that keeps on giving – it gives you the experience in the moment and then the long-lasting inspiration and energy from the great memories made. I often write about how I translate the inspiration from my travels into room designs. However, what I’ve loved since taking this trip is how each time I go to buy JUSTIN wine it takes me back to being at the vineyard, the warmth of the sun on my neck and nothing but rolling hills covered in vines as far as my eye could see. My favorite blend was the ISOSCELES®; it’s a Bordeaux-style red wine, and I love the full-bodied flavor. The wine has lots of different flavors, including red and black cherry, blackcurrant and even a hint of cinnamon, which makes it the perfect cozy wine to enjoy at this time of year.Before I give you my guide to Paso Robles, California – let me tell you a quick back story about JUSTIN. JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is located about 3hrs 30 mins north east of LA. The region wasn’t known for wine until in 1999 when JUSTIN decided to enter a wine award from their vineyard in Paso Robles. The wine went onto win a converted international award – the World’s Best Blended Red Wine – during a blind taste test in London, England. It was that award and that moment that propelled JUSTIN wines to fame and put the Paso Robles region on the map in terms of being a respected wine region.During winter I always love to try and book a trip to get me through the snow and bitterly cold days – Paso Robles would be the perfect escape if you too are looking for an escape. Here are my recommendations for the region. If you can’t manage a trip, be sure find a bottle of JUSTIN wine and you can enjoy the taste of California’s Central Coast sunshine in a bottle instead!The new JUSTIN downtown tasting room in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles.

Stay

JUST Inn
Do you see what they did there?! I was blown away by the JUST Inn – the views from the rooms are quite simply stunning. It truly felt as though I were looking out over the rolling hills of Tuscany. Our room had a lovely fireplace, hydro jet spa bath and very comfy beds! Plus, it’s only 30 minutes from Downtown Paso Robles.Food

Hatch
Make sure you make a reservation at this popular spot, but it is worth the wait even if you don’t. The first night we didn’t make a reso. and we just waited at the bar and enjoyed a cocktail or two while soaking in the cool design. The food was great; most of it is cooked in the wood fired oven, and you are sure to receive a warm welcome from the staff, too.The Restaurant at JUSTIN

Make sure you stop by the Restaurant at JUSTIN, which is located on the property of JUSTIN’sestate vineyards. The food is delicious and the sommeliers pair each course with the perfect wine. We stopped by for brunch on the weekend and sat on the terrace overlooking the vineyards whilst enjoying their excellent food and wines.Spearhead Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a small breakfast or just a great coffee, then be sure to head to Spearhead coffee. The staff are really friendly and their small batch coffee is great. Best coffee spot in town, hands down.What to do

If you booked a vacation to wine country there’s a high chance you’re going to see the vineyards and taste the wines, so the good news is that there are so many to choose from in Paso Robles. I would suggest starting at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; you have to see the underground cellar and tasting room they have created, it is mind-blowing. You can even see how they stack the barrels so that they should be able to withstand an earthquake! Then, get the concierge to book you with the car service for a tour of the best vineyards in the area. Staying at JUSTIN you are right in the middle of everything, which is great. If you prefer, you can simply head downtown to the many tasting rooms. JUSTIN has just opened a new downtown tasting room prominently on the square along Downtown City Park in Paso Robles as its second location in the region, so stop by and check out the sleek modern décor and enjoy a tasting session.Shops

Refinery
This antique and consignment homeware store is a treasure trove of design finds. if you are anything like me and love design and homewares then be sure to stop in and browse their ever-changing assortment.

General Store Paso Robles
This is a charming gift and lifestyle shop and it sells everything from homewares, specialty food, beauty, gifts, books and cards.

Brown Butter Cookie Company
Next door to the JUSTIN downtown tasting room is this local bakery that sells a great selection of cookies – the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

All-in-all Paso Robles is a great place to relax with friends or family to enjoy some amazing wine. Let me know if you book a trip!// Photography by Will Taylor | This post was brought to in partnership with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/justin-vineyards-winery.html/feed0My Current Skincare Routinehttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/mens-anti-aging-skincare-routine.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/mens-anti-aging-skincare-routine.html#commentsWed, 09 Jan 2019 11:00:20 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9835Two years ago I made a resolution to take better care of my skin. For the first two months of the year I stuck to my anti-aging skincare routine. I’d seen results after the first two weeks and it encouraged me to keep going. The problem was that I pretty much stopped after two months. Yep – failed. Sure, I still did the occasional scrub and moisturized every few days, but my daily routine fell by the wayside as life got busier. I kept saying to myself that I had to get back on track, and for a few weeks here and there I’d discover a new product and take better care of my skin again. Before long, though, I’d inevitably fall out of the routine again. 2018 had flashes of hope. My oily skin over the summer led me to a great Lab Series product (this one) that was so good I used it all season long. Alas, summer ended, my oily skin went away, and with it, my skincare routine did too. So here we are in the first week of 2019 and I’m a six weeks into a new anti-aging skincare routine (yay, I’m celebrating each small […]

]]>Two years ago I made a resolution to take better care of my skin. For the first two months of the year I stuck to my anti-aging skincare routine. I’d seen results after the first two weeks and it encouraged me to keep going. The problem was that I pretty much stopped after two months. Yep – failed. Sure, I still did the occasional scrub and moisturized every few days, but my daily routine fell by the wayside as life got busier. I kept saying to myself that I had to get back on track, and for a few weeks here and there I’d discover a new product and take better care of my skin again. Before long, though, I’d inevitably fall out of the routine again.

2018 had flashes of hope. My oily skin over the summer led me to a great Lab Series product (this one) that was so good I used it all season long. Alas, summer ended, my oily skin went away, and with it, my skincare routine did too.

So here we are in the first week of 2019 and I’m a six weeks into a new anti-aging skincare routine (yay, I’m celebrating each small win!). 2018 was an incredible year but the long days (and nights!), and countless flights definitely took their toll on my skin. By November I decided enough was enough: only I had the power to look after my skin so I pulled together a new anti-aging skincare routine, and I’ve been following my anti-aging skin routine since. I’ve been so impressed by the results that I felt inspired to share my current routine with you guys. Sure, I’ll switch out some products throughout the year (my skin goes from combination-dry in winter to combination-oily in summer) but this is what is working for me right now.My Twice Daily Routine

Step 1 | Cleanse |Rodial Bee Venom Cleansing Balm & Verso Foaming Cleanser
I like to alternate my cleanser every other day so that my skin gets a varied clean. I apply the Bee Venom cleansing balm to dry skin, rubbing a thumb sized amount all over my face for 30 seconds or so. Then, I use a spray bottle to spritz my face with water to turn the balm into a milky texture. Then I clean all over my face with a Luna by Foreo. When I use Verso’s cleanser I start with wet skin and go straight to using the Luna. I like them both because they don’t dry out my skin at all.

Step 2 | Tone |Men Science Advanced Face Tonic
I apply his toner from a cotton pad and gently rub it all over my face and it definitely helps to clear our the build up on my skin, especially around the t-zone.

Step 3 | Serum |Dr. Sebagh Serum Repair & Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Firming Concentrated Serum
OK so the Dr. Sebagh serum is a product I was using two years ago and I loved it, so when I started up my daily anti-aging skincare routine a month ago I immediately started using it again. Every time I use it I can feel the hyaluronic acid firming and lifting my skin – it’s so, so good! A friend of mine works in the beauty space and very generously gifted me the Sisleÿa serum so I’ve been using it since Christmas. It’s a wonderful product but I saw the same effect with the Dr. Sebagh product, which is significantly lower in price, so I think once it’s finished I’ll stick with my original fav. We’ll see!

Step 4 | Daily SPF |Kiehls Daily SPF
To be honest I wish I had included an SPF as part of my year-round daily skincare routine sooner. Any readers in their twenties – start using it now, trust me; the sun is so aging to your skin. I love this Kiehls product because it’s not greasy and doesn’t sit heavy on the skin like ‘traditional’ sunscreen.

Step 5 | Moisturize |Sisleÿum For Men Anti-Age Global Revitalizer
This moisturizer is super light, smells great and leaves my skin looking radiant and smooth. Love! I apply it via small dots across my face and neck and massage it in by making small upward circles with my hands.

Scrub |Lab Series Invigorating Face Scrub
I use this twice a week while showering to help clean out my pores and clean up my face. It’s quite coarse so my tip is to rub it across your face gently for about minute. Your skin will feel so smooth after!

Face mask |Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask
I do this mask once a week or so. It stays on your face for fifteen minutes so I usually put it on while I sit in the bath, which is perfect because it’s as calming for my face as sitting in the bath is for my body!

Breakouts |Malin & Gotez Acne Treatment
Anytime I see or feel a zit forming on my face or have an ingrowing hair in my stubble, I put a dab of this product on it overnight; it really helps to dry it out and reduce the redness.

Eye mask |Sephora Pomegranate Eye Mask
Seriously, you have to try these eye masks. I’ve only used them three times but I’m so hooked I went back to Sephora and bought a bunch more! They leave your eyes feeling so much brighter and fresher.

I wanted to round out the post with three things I always do as part of my skincare routine:

1. Once I’ve applied water to my skin while cleansing, I use a Luna by Foreo all over my face and neck.

2. I always apply serums and moisturizer to my face and neck in small dabs and never by rubbing it between my two hands first.

3. I rub cream into my face in a circular upwards movement because it’s like a mini-massage for the face, encourages circulation and lifting. I really noticed a positive difference in my complexion after I started doing this!

And that’s it! Let me know if you have any questions – and I’d love to hear about your favorites, too!

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2019/01/mens-anti-aging-skincare-routine.html/feed233Domestic Bliss: Freshly Baked Cookies & A Clean Homehttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/clorox-scentiva-cleaning-tips.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/clorox-scentiva-cleaning-tips.html#commentsThu, 27 Dec 2018 19:36:32 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9827Happy Holidays! I hope you are all having a great time with friends and family, and that those who celebrated Christmas had a lovely day! I love to make a homemade host gift whenever I go over to other peoples’ houses, especially during the holidays. The problem is – and my heartmate will attest to this: I am such a messy cook! My excuse is that making cookies which will have the perfect shape means you have to get a little messy in the process. Ah, it’s worth it for that first bite of a fresh-from-the-oven cookie, though! Today, I wanted to share a recipe for some easy, super cute and festive cookies. I partnered with Clorox® for this post as their Clorox® Scentiva™ Disinfecting Wipes help me out so much in the kitchen (and, to be honest, the rest of the house). The main reason I’ve been using them is because they smell so darn good. I’m a total clean freak but weirdly I hate the smell cleaning agents. I love that using the disinfecting wipes cleans the kitchen but also leaves it smelling fresh but also relaxing – setting the tone I want for my home. The cookie […]

]]>Happy Holidays! I hope you are all having a great time with friends and family, and that those who celebrated Christmas had a lovely day! I love to make a homemade host gift whenever I go over to other peoples’ houses, especially during the holidays. The problem is – and my heartmate will attest to this: I am such a messy cook! My excuse is that making cookies which will have the perfect shape means you have to get a little messy in the process. Ah, it’s worth it for that first bite of a fresh-from-the-oven cookie, though!

Today, I wanted to share a recipe for some easy, super cute and festive cookies. I partnered with Clorox® for this post as their Clorox® Scentiva Disinfecting Wipes help me out so much in the kitchen (and, to be honest, the rest of the house). The main reason I’ve been using them is because they smell so darn good. I’m a total clean freak but weirdly I hate the smell cleaning agents. I love that using the disinfecting wipes cleans the kitchen but also leaves it smelling fresh but also relaxing – setting the tone I want for my home.

The cookie recipes I’m sharing is for snowflake crackle red velvet cookies. What makes them look so nice is that you cover them in confectioners’ sugar just before baking them. And when I say cover them, I mean really cover them – that’s the secret to getting the crackle and frosty pattern on them.Here’s what you need and what to do:

1. Mix the butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy – you can do this by hand or in a stand mixer.
2. Add the vanilla essence and eggs and mix until well combined.
3. Melt the chocolate (either in a wide shallow bowl in a microwave or using a water bath on the stovetop), then add the melted chocolate with the red food coloring to the mixture.
4. Finally, sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder and stir into the mixture until combined.
5. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for between 1 -2 hours (this will help the cookies keep their shape.
6. Take out the fridge and form small balls by rolling in your hands (take a look at the pictures below for sizing)
7. Cover the dough balls very well in confectioners’ sugar, by rolling them around a shallow bowl with the sugar in.
8. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet and squash the a little with you hand to flatten them into a cookie shape.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 F and then enjoy!I love how the cookies turn out, I think they look like they are covered in snow with the confectioners’ sugar on top.

OK, so now you see how when making these cookies things can get a little bit messy. It’s OK though, it’s the sign of a happy home! However, I have to say that I love that feeling of sitting on the sofa in front of a fire knowing the kitchen is sparkling clean. Told ya I was a clean freak! The one thing that bugs me about cleaning products so often is the smell of them; especially the really effective ones which usually leave a super strong smell. That’s why I have been using Clorox® Scentiva products for a while because it has all the cleaning power (the wipes kill 99.9% of germs) and elevates my home, leaving a lovely scent. They have a Clorox® Scentiva Multi-Surface Cleaner which I love too, I use it with a microfiber cleaning cloth and it makes my counter tops so clean, but also smelling nice. I think the scent makes my home an inviting place to be and really sets the tone, by making the house feel friendly and relaxing with notes of lavender. My favorite is the Tuscan Lavender & Jasmine scent, which is the perfect I love the hint of lavender and also the sandalwood smell, be sure to pick some up at the grocery store on your next visit. And if you bake these cookies, save me one (or three!).// Photography by Will Taylor | Posted in partnership with Clorox; thank you for supporting the brands that make our content possible.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/clorox-scentiva-cleaning-tips.html/feed10Beach House Dining Room Winter Makeover Revealhttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/home-decorators-collection-dining-room.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/home-decorators-collection-dining-room.html#commentsSat, 22 Dec 2018 14:47:20 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9816Yesterday, I shared my moodboard inspiration for our winter dining room makeover sponsored by Home Depot. Today, it’s the reveal! I wanted to create a clean and cozy winter space without it feeling stuffy or overly traditional. Equally, I didn’t want it to feel super modern as too many clean modern lines can make for a dining space that feels cold and unwelcoming. So, my aim was to create a space that balanced those two design directions. The centerpiece of the dining room makeover is the Home Decorators Collection Aldridge Washed Black Round Dining Table. I choose this dark wood so that it would contrast with the white chairs (Natural Woodstring Dining Chair) and also the white shiplap in the space. It acts as an anchor to all the fresh winter whites, greys, greens and metallics I layered across the room. What do you think of the final space? Let me talk you through some of the key elements in the space and why I choose them.Let’s start with the tabletop. If you’re anything like me, you likely have lots of different plates and dishes. I have so many options but sometimes I only have a set for four and […]

]]>Yesterday, I shared my moodboard inspiration for our winter dining room makeover sponsored by Home Depot. Today, it’s the reveal! I wanted to create a clean and cozy winter space without it feeling stuffy or overly traditional. Equally, I didn’t want it to feel super modern as too many clean modern lines can make for a dining space that feels cold and unwelcoming. So, my aim was to create a space that balanced those two design directions.

What do you think of the final space? Let me talk you through some of the key elements in the space and why I choose them.Let’s start with the tabletop. If you’re anything like me, you likely have lots of different plates and dishes. I have so many options but sometimes I only have a set for four and not six. I don’t let this deter me from using them but rather I just embrace it and go for a mix and match approach; it creates a layered and homely look. For this tabletop I paired the Sango 16-Piece Ruvo Gray Dinnerware Set with the Certified International Radiance 12-Piece Multicolor Dinnerware Set. I was really happy how it turned out – even though the two sets are really different, when mixed together they work thanks to their shared color palette which serves as a red thread between them.I would always advise sticking in the same color palette when you have mix and match dinnerware, so that the different designs don’t jar the eye. To add visual interest and a little luxe factor to the table I decided to add metallic gold as an accent. I used gold flatware and then did a very simple arrangement with them were I crossed the flatware over each other and wrapping them with a simple ornament I had. This gives the tabletop a subtle festive and seasonal feel – perfect for a NYE dinner, for example. The other gold accent I layered onto the table was in these wonderful Fitz and Floyd glassware; I’m obsessed with the honeycomb pattern on them. It makes the glassware much warmer and tactile rather than just a solid metal; plus, it introduces pattern to the table without overpowering the overall look.Lastly, to help give some added warmth to the table, I placed linen napkins under each of the bowls – linen is my favorite textile for place settings because it’s so tactile.I love the banquet seating area of our dining room happens to be one of my favorite places in the house to go and read. Something about cozying up in a corner is extra comforting, don’t you think?! The other thing I love about this nook? It’s the perfect spot to layer on alllllll the throw pillows and makes it super easy to switch up the look of the space with each new season. Do you remember in the Summer how I had the cute lemon throw pillows? Well, for my cozy winter dining room look I swapped those out and layered on bunch of different textures and sizes. For consistency, I kept the color theme broadly the same; The Home Depot have such a great selection of throw pillows online making it easy to browse and find the perfect ones for your space! Even better is that most of them are available on two-day shipping so there’s no waiting weeks for your new pillow crush! In the end I choose those ones:

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/home-decorators-collection-dining-room.html/feed252Winter Dining Room Makeover: Inspiration Moodboardhttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/dining-room-moodboard.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/dining-room-moodboard.html#commentsFri, 21 Dec 2018 16:00:16 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9814One of the rooms we use a lot more out at the beach house during the winter is our dining room. Summer entertaining often happens outside by (or in!) the pool, whereas this cozy space that sits next to the open plan kitchen is sees a lot more traffic in the colder months. So, when Home Depot asked me to partner with them style out a space in my house for winter I knew that the dining room would be the perfect spot. So, I dived into their extensive home décor and furniture collections, including their exclusive Home Decorators and The Company Store collections, and pulled together a festive Scandi-inspired lodge vibe. I’m excited to share the full reveal of the beach house dining room makeover very soon! Today, I’m sharing a peek at what the newly designed space will look like via the moodboard above. Here are three areas I considered when pulling together the moodboard for the refreshed dining space: Textiles Whenever I visit anyway in Scandinavia, I always admire their use of soft textiles and faux fur to create a cozy ‘hygge’ feeling. It’s great way to make modern furniture feel comfortable and inviting without forgoing those […]

]]>One of the rooms we use a lot more out at the beach house during the winter is our dining room. Summer entertaining often happens outside by (or in!) the pool, whereas this cozy space that sits next to the open plan kitchen is sees a lot more traffic in the colder months. So, when Home Depot asked me to partner with them style out a space in my house for winter I knew that the dining room would be the perfect spot. So, I dived into their extensive home décor and furniture collections, including their exclusive Home Decorators and The Company Store collections, and pulled together a festive Scandi-inspired lodge vibe.

I’m excited to share the full reveal of the beach house dining room makeover very soon! Today, I’m sharing a peek at what the newly designed space will look like via the moodboard above. Here are three areas I considered when pulling together the moodboard for the refreshed dining space:

Textiles
Whenever I visit anyway in Scandinavia, I always admire their use of soft textiles and faux fur to create a cozy ‘hygge’ feeling. It’s great way to make modern furniture feel comfortable and inviting without forgoing those modern shapes and forms. For example, this Belgium linen throw from The Company Store will be perfect to hang on the back of the wooden dining chairs. It will soften the space both physically and visually because the throw will break up the chairs so that they won’t all look the same. This makes the space less formal and rigid, and in turn that makes it more casual and welcoming. Plus, if someone is cold they don’t have to feel uncomfortable or rude asking for a blanket as there’s one right there!

Embrace the dark side
In my mood board you will see I have selected furniture that includes black steel and a black painted dining table. Ordinarily my style is much lighter so I can layer in colors through cushions and furniture. However, I was keen to try something different and our beach house dining space felt the perfect place to invite in these darker accents, especially as I am trying to make the space feel cozy and warm for winter. The black steel in the Home Decorators Collection Anjou range are perfect making the space feel at once more intimate and modern. The Aldridge dining table has a similar effect as by having a large piece of dark furniture it serves to anchor the room and become a focal point that draws you to table. I can’t wait to see what it looks like paired with warm candle light – I think it will help the space feel cozy and inviting as the light from the candle pools onto the table.

Embrace open shelving
Open shelving is great because you can display all the interesting items you have; I opted for the Anjou bookcase so I can do just that with all my dining room knick-knacks. Not only will the open shelves be practical because I’ll be able to see – and reach – what I need as I’m cooking, but it will also makes the space feel more layered and lived-in.

Stay tuned as tomorrow I’ll reveal the space – I’m so excited!

// This post was written in partnership with the Home Depot, thanks for supporting the brands that support Bright.Bazaar.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/dining-room-moodboard.html/feed12Last-Minute Christmas Entertaining Recipeshttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/last-minute-christmas-recipes.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/last-minute-christmas-recipes.html#commentsThu, 20 Dec 2018 16:07:50 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9806Christmas is just days away now and I’m so excited! Whenever my heartmate and I entertain, whether on the Big Day itself or anytime during the busy holiday period, I always make simple recipes that are delicious despite only taking minutes to pull together. Preparing to entertain take so much prep and time that I wanted to share these two recipes with you to try and help streamline any holiday parties you may be hosting in the next couple of weeks! One is my quick and easy Cheese Board and the other is a delicious bruschetta recipe, which is always a favorite in our house – we even had it at our wedding celebrations! If that’s not all, my friends at Castello Cheese, who I partnered with on this post, are giving one of you guys the chance to win a hamper full of their yummy cheeses, plus other Castello goodies including a cheeseboard and knives, wine glasses, candles, cocktail napkins and even a grocery store gift card so you can buy crackers, nuts and everything else for your cheeseboard. Carry on reading and I will tell you how to enter at the end of the post!Here are my top […]

]]>Christmas is just days away now and I’m so excited! Whenever my heartmate and I entertain, whether on the Big Day itself or anytime during the busy holiday period, I always make simple recipes that are delicious despite only taking minutes to pull together. Preparing to entertain take so much prep and time that I wanted to share these two recipes with you to try and help streamline any holiday parties you may be hosting in the next couple of weeks! One is my quick and easy Cheese Board and the other is a delicious bruschetta recipe, which is always a favorite in our house – we even had it at our wedding celebrations!

If that’s not all, my friends at Castello Cheese, who I partnered with on this post, are giving one of you guys the chance to win a hamper full of their yummy cheeses, plus other Castello goodies including a cheeseboard and knives, wine glasses, candles, cocktail napkins and even a grocery store gift card so you can buy crackers, nuts and everything else for your cheeseboard. Carry on reading and I will tell you how to enter at the end of the post!Here are my top tips for a creating a stylish and delicious cheese board without the hassle:

1) Variety is key – Cheese can be very personal so make sure to have at least three different types. I always ensure there’s something light and mild; here I included Castello’s Gouda as it’s always so popular. Then, for a blue cheese option, I had Castello’s Danish Blue and for something a little more unusual I included Castello’s Havarti with Jalapeno (my personal favorite!).2) Use containers – A super easy way to make a cheese board come to life and appear more elevated is to add accompaniments such as olives, pickles, chutneys. Grab a small dish or vessel that contrasts with the cheese board – white marble pairs perfectly with this olive wood board – and it will pop against it. Also, it’s practical as it stops smaller accompaniments from rolling all over the board and cheeses.3) ‘Plate-free’ options – Don’t forget to include some easy to grab items that don’t require cutting or ‘building’. Often guests can be unable to dive into a cheese board because they are busy talking, so I like to include small cubes of Castello’s Havarti with Herbs and Spices as an option that people can pick at with cocktail sticks rather than having to have a plate.Alright, so your cheese board is sorted but if you still need a quick and easy appetizer to pass around your party then I have the perfect recipe for you. It’s a simple tomato bruschetta with two quick twists that make it a little special. These bruschetta are perfect for parties because no plates are needed so it’s easy for everyone to help themselves (and saves on the post-party washing up!). In this recipe I add thyme to the oil to add some more flavor – plus I add Castello Vintage Havarti on top, too! The sharp and bold flavour of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Plus, as you will see below, they are so how easy to make!Ingredients:
1 Punnet of sweet grape tomatoes (multicolored is preferred)
1 x Bunch of thyme
2 x Tablespoons of olive oil
1 x Pinch of kosher salt
1 x Pinch of cracker black pepper
Pack of crostini (or slice a baguette and bake the slices for a few minutes until dry)
2½ oz Castello® Vintage Havarti, or Extra Matured Cheddar, shreddedRecipe:1. In a pestle and mortar smash the thyme leaves with the oil, salt and pepper.2. Halve the tomatoes and then mix with the oil and thyme leaves.3. Arrange the tomatoes onto the crostini and then grate the Castello Vintage Havarti on top.I hope these ideas have been helpful and if you want to find the cheese near you then you can find it here. OK, fancy wining a Castello Cheese hamper? Here’s how to enter: just leave a comment below before Dec 22nd 2018 and include your Instagram handle. I will pick one lucky winner at random, for full contest terms and conditions see the disclosure. Happy entertaining, and good luck!// Photography by Will Taylor

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/last-minute-christmas-recipes.html/feed64How to Dress with Festive Style During the Holidayshttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/festive-fashion-men-zenni.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/festive-fashion-men-zenni.html#commentsWed, 19 Dec 2018 16:04:41 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9797The holiday season is full of social engagements and parties. With that comes the “what am I going to wear?!” and “is this appropriate for an office party” type of questions. Well, no fear, because today I’m bringing you a guide to dressing with style this festive season. I’ve partnered with Zenni to show how you can put together festive looks that nod to the season without anyone mistaking you for heading to an ugly sweater party because, well, that would be awkward…!I switch between wearing contacts and glasses depending on the occasion – and my outfit! Sometimes an outfit needs that edge of sophistication that comes with wearing a stylish pair of glasses. I use this trick to add a grown-up vibe to my holiday looks as the eyewear helps the overall outfit look elegant and sophisticated. Zenni offer the largest selection of affordable, high-quality, prescription eyewear online. Plus, they make it super fun and easy to find just the right pair because of their Face Shape Quiz and Try On Tool that allow you to virtually try on the glasses from the comfort of your own home.You guys know I love to include glasses as part of my […]

]]>The holiday season is full of social engagements and parties. With that comes the “what am I going to wear?!” and “is this appropriate for an office party” type of questions. Well, no fear, because today I’m bringing you a guide to dressing with style this festive season. I’ve partnered with Zenni to show how you can put together festive looks that nod to the season without anyone mistaking you for heading to an ugly sweater party because, well, that would be awkward…!I switch between wearing contacts and glasses depending on the occasion – and my outfit! Sometimes an outfit needs that edge of sophistication that comes with wearing a stylish pair of glasses. I use this trick to add a grown-up vibe to my holiday looks as the eyewear helps the overall outfit look elegant and sophisticated. Zenni offer the largest selection of affordable, high-quality, prescription eyewear online. Plus, they make it super fun and easy to find just the right pair because of their Face Shape Quiz and Try On Tool that allow you to virtually try on the glasses from the comfort of your own home.You guys know I love to include glasses as part of my looks and I love how Zenni is so affordable that I can add different pairs to my closet so I have go-to options for every occasion. An eyewear wardrobe, if you like! Here, I wore a pair of the tortoiseshell Retreat glasses because they paired perfectly with my blackwatch sports coat jacket and cord pants.Zenni make their glasses from high quality materials like titanium, acetate, stainless steel, and advanced ultra-lightweight materials such as Ultem and TR90. Pretty impressive when frame start at as little as $29!Do you wear glasses? How do you like to incorporate them into your outfits? Let me know!// Photography by Will Taylor | This post was brought to in partnership with Zenni; thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/festive-fashion-men-zenni.html/feed12What I’ve Learned So Far as A First-Time Buyer in NYChttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/first-time-buyer-nyc.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/first-time-buyer-nyc.html#commentsTue, 18 Dec 2018 20:27:36 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9790The thought of buying our first apartment in NYC makes me so excited, but as it will likely be the biggest purchase my heartmate and I will likely ever make in our lives, it also gives me cold sweats! To be quite frank, I went into the process of apartment hunting without knowing much about New York City real estate; I just dove head first into it all. It’s safe to say it’s been a learning experience so far! During my hunt I’ve been sharing mini tours of the apartments on my Instagram Stories and I’ve received lots of messages from you guys saying you too are looking, or hoping to start looking, for your first apartments, and what advice did I have. So, in partnership with Uber, I wanted to share a post with what I’ve learned about being a first-time buyer in NYC. House hunting is one of those really exciting but also stressful situations in life, especially in NYC! We’ve loved being able to grab an Uber and use all the in-app functionalities – such as their Share My Trip feature – that make their rides safer and more comfortable and have helped us in our apartment […]

]]>The thought of buying our first apartment in NYC makes me so excited, but as it will likely be the biggest purchase my heartmate and I will likely ever make in our lives, it also gives me cold sweats! To be quite frank, I went into the process of apartment hunting without knowing much about New York City real estate; I just dove head first into it all. It’s safe to say it’s been a learning experience so far! During my hunt I’ve been sharing mini tours of the apartments on my Instagram Stories and I’ve received lots of messages from you guys saying you too are looking, or hoping to start looking, for your first apartments, and what advice did I have. So, in partnership with Uber, I wanted to share a post with what I’ve learned about being a first-time buyer in NYC. House hunting is one of those really exciting but also stressful situations in life, especially in NYC! We’ve loved being able to grab an Uber and use all the in-app functionalities – such as their Share My Trip feature – that make their rides safer and more comfortable and have helped us in our apartment hunt.1. Think about what is important to you but also be flexible

If I’m honest, we went into our apartment hunt process with a lot of hard lines about what we did and didn’t want. However, as we started to view different apartments we quickly gained a sense of what was really important for us in a home. We were too quick to write off certain units and ended up not even bothering to even view lots of apartments at the start because they were missing one thing we were looking for. I’ve learned that often it is great to take a chance and see somewhere that is perhaps missing one thing but attracts you in another way because you can end up being pleasantly surprised by a space. You never truly know if you will like an apartment until you actually physically walk the unit and the building. Places I’ve thought I’d love from the listing had me wanting to turn and walk out from the moment I stepped inside, and visa versa!2. Look into the monthlies and not just the sale price

You will find the first question any property website will ask you is to put in a maximum and minimum price. If, like us, you are likely getting a mortgage for your first home, so the total monthly cost (mortgage and monthly building payments – tax, amenities etc.) is just as important as the listed sale price. So, make sure you don’t fixate on the sale price alone but also take a really close look at monthlies. In NYC these can take up a big chunk of what you can afford each month. If you manage to pick up an apartment with tax abetment, or find a building that happens to have low maintenance or common charges, you might be surprised how far your budget stretches vs. buildings with higher monthlies.3. Get an Uber between open houses

My heartmate and I are always using Uber to get us around the city during our open house tours on Sunday. The apartments we were most interested in kept being scheduled in the same time bracket. You need to act fast in NYC, so we always wanted to be sure that we had enough time to spend looking around each apartment and probably absorb the space. Taking an Uber between listings meant we arrived quicker (avoiding those weekend subway delays – hurrah!) but also in a clearer and calmer state of mind. Often, we would meet at the first apartment (as he often goes running on Sundays and I go to a gym class), and we us the Uber Share Your Ride safety feature. It shares your location with a trusted friend or family member – in my case, my husband – so that he knew when I was going to arrive. Getting a car between houses also means we get to see more of the local streets and neighborhood, which is so important when you are considering buying an apartment in the area.4. Search yourself and see a wide range of apartments

Make sure you look at listings online yourself and don’t just wait for your broker to send you listings. We were so surprised how many apartments we have been interested in that wouldn’t fit the original criteria we gave our broker. However, when we saw the views or the architectural details, we would consider it – so make sure you dive in and set up email alerts. Like I said, you have to be quick so the more eyeballs on those listings the better to make sure your dream apartment doesn’t slip through the cracks!5. Measure your current space before seeing other apartments

Having the measurements of your current apartment to hand is so helpful. We often looked at an empty space and thought it felt so big until we measured it, looked at what we currently lived in, and saw that it wasn’t in fact as big as the photos or floor plan made it seem. We even have all the measurements for our bed and sofa, so when we are in an open house we can pull out a tape measure and see how our bed fits. Trust me, in NYC things like that matter because it’s not always a given the bed will fit. #KeepingItReal

Do you have any advice for house hunting? Let me know what I missed below!

// Photography by Will Taylor, this post was brought to in partnership with Uber, thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/first-time-buyer-nyc.html/feed14Make-You-Smile-Style Home Gift Boxeshttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/the-company-store-bedding-bath.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/the-company-store-bedding-bath.html#commentsMon, 17 Dec 2018 02:57:14 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9779It’s the midst of gifting season but there’s one area that I think often gets overlooked when it comes to gifting: homewares. As someone obsessed with all things home and design, this makes me sad! There are so many great gifts you can get someone for the home that are often much needed. Instead of buying a ‘throwaway’ or novelty gift that likely won’t be remembered by Jan 1st 2019, buying homeware offers a chance to give someone you love a truly meaningful and useful gift. I will be first to admit I get stuck in towel or bedding routines, whereby I keep using the same set to the point they look a bit worn and need replacing. So, personally, I would be thrilled to receive a really lovely stack of luxury towels as a gift. What a great gift: the luxury of soft new towels and bedding! OK, so you might be thinking that gifting towels or bedding is strange as you don’t know someone’s taste or style, or fear that they may look strange on its own. Well, don’t worry because I have both of these concerns covered so you can give with confidence. Should that be a […]

]]>It’s the midst of gifting season but there’s one area that I think often gets overlooked when it comes to gifting: homewares. As someone obsessed with all things home and design, this makes me sad! There are so many great gifts you can get someone for the home that are often much needed. Instead of buying a ‘throwaway’ or novelty gift that likely won’t be remembered by Jan 1st 2019, buying homeware offers a chance to give someone you love a truly meaningful and useful gift. I will be first to admit I get stuck in towel or bedding routines, whereby I keep using the same set to the point they look a bit worn and need replacing. So, personally, I would be thrilled to receive a really lovely stack of luxury towels as a gift. What a great gift: the luxury of soft new towels and bedding!

OK, so you might be thinking that gifting towels or bedding is strange as you don’t know someone’s taste or style, or fear that they may look strange on its own. Well, don’t worry because I have both of these concerns covered so you can give with confidence. Should that be a hashtag?! Ha. I’ve partnered with my friends from The Company Store to highlight their great range of bedding, bath and textiles. One of the great things is that all of The Company Store products are available at the Home Depot, so it makes it super easy to do exchanges etc. should your gift recipient wish to swap anything!My favorite way to gift bath and bedding products is a part of homemade gift boxes that include other complimentary gifts alongside them. For example, a relaxing tea, bath bomb and a scented candle, or even a book by their favorite author. This creates a personalized sleep-well or relax-well gift box, which makes the gift stand out and one they will really remember. Plus, it shows how much thought and care you’ve put into the gift, too!

I love these Dot towels for a gift as the classic white goes with so many bathrooms and styles, but the embossed polka dot detail gives the towels something a little special. It’s all about the details after all! The towels are made of American-grown Supima® cotton as well so they feel luxurious to the touch. I think these make the perfect gift as in January we could all do with some nice towels to keep us going through the cold dark days! Giving someone a slice of that indulgent spa experience at home is a great gift.If the white Dot towels aren’t quite right, here are my three other favorites:

Another often overlooked area for gifting is bathroom accessories such as bath mats. In a family house they get worn out and it’s so easy put off updating them in the rush of everyday life. This is what makes it such a lovely gift as it something we all use every day. Build out the bath mat gift into a gift box to give a colleague or loved one who you know enjoys relaxing – or needs to treat themselves! Inside the gift box you could include new towels, a new bath mat and then their favorite candle, bubble bath and book.Find the red bath mat too bright and festive? No worries, how about these great options instead:

1.Regal Egyptian Cotton Bath Robe – A robe is a great gift option because it works for literally everyone you know. Who doesn’t love a robe, after all?!2.Cotton Twill Bath Mats – Perfect for adding into a bath gift box you might be giving a loved one.3.Organic Cotton Bath Towel – These are super soft, made in Portugal and available in several lovely colors.OK, bath – check! Let’s move onto bedding for gifting. I’ve lost count of the times friends have said to me that they have problems sleeping. I think we all know someone or are maybe that person ourselves – I know I am sometimes! I think creating a comfortable and cozy environment is key piece to encouraging good sleep. The Bear Tracks winter flannel bedding is perfect for helping create such an environment because it’s so cozy and warm. Plus, the family of bears and winter trees are so cute, don’t you think?! The Company Store offer many different styles and colorways so you are sure to find something to fit anyone’s style.A thoughtful gift for that friend who has trouble sleeping would be a bedding gift box that includes new bedding, a diffuser, a new mug and essential oils so they have a sleep-well kit! You could even include a white noise machine. If you wanted you could easily add in candles, perhaps some calming night tea or even one of The Company Store’s cute pillows or throws. I have to say the Belgian linen throws feel just as good as they look – so tactile! They are perfect for layering up, and work well in the summer months, too.The bedding set I put together is very festive (hey, what can I say, I go all IN for my love of the holidays!), so here are so other gift options that aren’t so festive:

1.Cotton Percale Sheets – Great for ‘hot’ sleepers because Percale is so soft and cool to sleep under.2.LaCross Blanket – I love how many bright color options this blanket come in3.Wool Blanket – The perfect winter gift as these blankets will bring so much warmth and sophisticated style to a bed.Which gift box would you like to receive, the bath or bed option? Do you have any suggestions for what would be good to put in either of them? Let me know and happy gift shopping, friends!

// Photography by Will Taylor | This post was written in partnership with The Company Store and Home Depot, thanks for supporting the brands that help make Bright.Bazaar’s content possible.

]]>http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/the-company-store-bedding-bath.html/feed14NYC’s Most Immersive & Stylish Coffee Experiencehttp://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/starbucks-reserve-roastery-nyc.html
http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2018/12/starbucks-reserve-roastery-nyc.html#commentsFri, 14 Dec 2018 11:00:03 +0000http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/?p=9766As a New Yorker I’m always on the go, especially as I run my own business and often have meetings in multiple neighborhoods across the city in any given day. This means I’m continually on the hunt for places to meet both friends and clients that offer a stylish, memorable and practical environment in which to work or relax. Earlier this week I found the perfect spot to do both of these things. I was invited to partner with Starbucks to tour their new Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district ahead of the grand opening today. As a lover of both coffee and design I was excited to explore the space. The fact it’s solved one of my day-to-day problems – a shortage of cool spaces in the city that are flexible enough to take a meeting or meet for cocktails with a friend – is a massive added bonus.The Roastery design was inspired by the history of manufacturing in the neighborhood and it feels akin to what one would expect the Willy Wonka Coffee Factory would look and feel like. It’s a real manufacturing space where Starbucks roasts rare and exclusive Reserve coffee. In a way it’s like […]

]]>As a New Yorker I’m always on the go, especially as I run my own business and often have meetings in multiple neighborhoods across the city in any given day. This means I’m continually on the hunt for places to meet both friends and clients that offer a stylish, memorable and practical environment in which to work or relax. Earlier this week I found the perfect spot to do both of these things. I was invited to partner with Starbucks to tour their new Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district ahead of the grand opening today. As a lover of both coffee and design I was excited to explore the space. The fact it’s solved one of my day-to-day problems – a shortage of cool spaces in the city that are flexible enough to take a meeting or meet for cocktails with a friend – is a massive added bonus.The Roastery design was inspired by the history of manufacturing in the neighborhood and it feels akin to what one would expect the Willy Wonka Coffee Factory would look and feel like. It’s a real manufacturing space where Starbucks roasts rare and exclusive Reserve coffee. In a way it’s like the theatre of coffee: grain sack coffee bags are cut open by hand as beans pour down into copper chutes below; overhead coffee beans fly through clear pipes to a series of stylish copper and glass vessels ready to be freshly ground and brewed.When you walk through the main entrance of the Roastery straight ahead you see a 30-foot tall copper cask. It’s like the beating heart of the whole experience and holds freshly roasted coffee that needs to rest before being used in beverages. The copper cask was fabricated and installed by A. Zahner, an internationally acclaimed engineering and fabrication company best known for the use of metal in the world of art and architecture. I like how the copper details used in small applications elsewhere across the Roastery serve as a red thread that pulls the whole space together. Affectionately referred to as ’The Kettle’ the copper cast can be seen from all parts of the space, allowing the coffee roasting process – and the theatre the comes with it – to take center stage as you explore.I really admired how the space is designed with immersive and interactive elements to bring you closer to the craft of coffee, from roasting to brewing. You can tell that each aspect of the space was chosen with intention, handcrafted to reflect the journey of coffee. As the Roastery is set over a series of different levels it has a feeling of discovery to it as you wonder the space. This old railway-style sign by Italian firm Solari, who have been making them since the 50’s, was one of my favorite details; you hear the display cycling through to show what’s currently being roasted, and it just adds to the overall sensory experience.The ceiling was designed to give the effect of an undulating ocean. Each ceiling square is laced with copper lighting and acoustic features to give off a liveliness in the ceiling. I love how the warmth of copper is reflected everywhere, too. Even though there’s a variety of different spaces within the Roastery, from the Arriviamo and main bar to the Milanese boutique bakery, Princi, the thoughtful design details keep it feeling synergized.The Roastery is staffed by 280 partners and there’s an extensive menu that includes an array of coffee and tea selections, in addition to Italian pastries, pizza al taglio, aperitivo and other specialties by Milan baker Rocco Princi. I tasted many of them during my tour and they were delicious! Pro-tip: try the hazelnut cornetti. I’m excited to go back in the evening with my heartmate and get cozy in the Arriviamo Bar, which is a high-end mixology experience serving coffee-and-tea inspired cocktails. Who wants to join us?!During the tour I had the opportunity to try several of the exclusive specialty espresso beverages you can order at the Roastery or enjoy as part of a coffee flight. My favorite was the Pantheon coffee, a Starbucks Reserve blend that’s available only at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries. Definitely add this to your list to try – the velvety smooth, subtle chocolatey taste is so good!Each Roastery features a Starbucks siren; the one at the NYC location is 10 ft tall and made of cast copper. Starbucks worked with local Brooklyn artist, Max Steiner, to create this siren that looks as though it’s emerging from the water. I really liked the geometric, faceted look of it. It makes a great Insta. spot, so go snap a cute photo there when you explore the space!The passion of Jill Enomoto, VP of Roastery Design and a 10-year partner at the brand, as she proudly toured me around the space was infectious. She explained that their aim was to create “a happy space that offered an immersive, inspirational and unique experience.” Well, Jill and her team certainly achieved that – much of the furniture is exclusive to the store for at least two years and the attention to detail is clear to see. Even the wall covering along one of the staircases was designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based artist, Callidus Guild. It has an ombre effect from light to dark with flecks of copper and it was designed to represent the roasting of the coffee. The good news is you can experience the space for yourself as the Roastery is now open at 61 9th Ave. And why not high five one of their friendly and knowledgeable partners while you are there!// Photography by Jean Laurent Gaudy for Bright.Bazaar | This post was brought to you in partnership with Starbucks; thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.